IPS Testing Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, IPS Testing has become a recognized leader for the testing and analytical work it does within the paper, nonwovens, consumer products and packaging industries. The company has doubled in size in just the last four years and continues to expand as it recently became the first independent laboratory to achieve ISO 17025 Accreditation for its flushability testing services.

The company first began operations as Integrated Paper Services in 1989 when the Institute of Paper Chemistry moved to Georgia. It has since evolved into a recognized leader for its comprehensive testing and analysis processes in paper, nonwovens, consumer products and packaging, and has doubled in size in just the last four years.

“When the Institute of Paper Chemistry moved to Georgia, it left a void in the Wisconsin market for testing and analysis of paper and nonwoven products,” said Bruce Shafer, president of IPS Testing. “These are major industries within our region and often testing can be very time sensitive.”

With strong business support for keeping a paper testing laboratory in Wisconsin as well as key staff and appropriate equipment in place, Integrated Paper Services – now known as IPS Testing – got its start.

In terms of growth over the last 25 years, IPS Testing recently became the first independent laboratory to achieve ISO 17025 Accreditation for its testing services related to the flushability of wipes. The company has also expanded its services in a number of areas related to product stewardship, including recyclability and regulatory testing.

The company underwent a major expansion in 2012 to accommodate its growing service line with a facility increase of 4,000 square feet. This included the addition of a state-of-the-art flushability testing lab that simulates the real-life flushing scenario in order to complete all seven test standards set forth by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA).

In its earlier days, IPS Testing operated from two separate lab spaces and continued the work previously performed by the Institute of Paper Chemistry, which encompassed five disciplines: Pulp, Physical Testing, Analytical, Fiber and River Studies.

Shafer explained that these five disciplines are still represented today by the five bars in the IPS company logo.

“Three of the initial five disciplines still represent a major part of our current business, one example is fiber analysis,” he said. “Our scientists can break down a paper product and determine the trees that were used to make the paper.” Explaining that IPS Testing is internationally known for this kind of analysis work, Shafer also noted, “Regulatory pressure prohibiting the use of endangered species has made this testing an essential quality assurance tool, while other areas such as river studies have fallen away because they are no longer required.”

Currently, the continued need for product testing is being driven by a competitive marketplace that sets the stage for IPS Testing to continue its steady path of growth.

Shafer added, “Paper is our heritage and continues to represent about half of our work. The industry is strong, particularly packaging and tissue and towel. The remainder of our work is tied to nonwovens and consumer products.” He continued, “The consumer products market is very competitive, which means that manufacturers rely on testing to continuously improve their products.”

Thank you again for being a valued partner to IPS. If you have any questions or are looking for testing solutions, please contact us. We are happy to help! If you know anyone in your network that may be interested in receiving this information, feel free to share the IPS E-newsletter with them.